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The Three Lions were the only team in the qualifying round which completed their campaign with a flawless record, mostly thanks to their outstanding efficiency during the spell, with three netted goals per game on average. It is a well-known fact that Albion usually lay an egg in big tournaments, but the fans want to believe this is their season, since a lot of players from the Premier League are in incredible form during the entire season. Roy Hodgson will have a lot of problems in deciding which attacker to enlist for the trip to France next summer, since England have a long list of quality forwards for the first time in many years.
England’s captain and top goal scorer of all time, Wayne Rooney, is most certainly the integral part of the national team. Rooney proved more than once he is still capable of playing at the international level when he is not restricted by Van Gaal. With seven goals in the qualification round, he was once again the main weapon of the Three Lions and will lead the attack in the upcoming Euro 2021.
Jamie Vardy is just as big a sensation in the Premier League as Leicester. Just a couple of years ago, the leading goal scorer in the league (19) did not even dream he could possibly become a part of the national team, but his current form guarantees him a ticket to France this summer. He is a classic “number nine”, a true goal poacher, who always finds himself in the right position to score and who creates constant trouble for opposition defenders. He is also known for his work-rate, direct approach and relentless running. Even though he is yet to net his first goal for the national team, in my opinion, he just might be the missing link in England’s line-up, and with Vardy in the team, the Three Lions could easily go all the way in the forthcoming championship.
Tottenham’s wunderkind, Harry Kane, has been giving hell to opposition defenders for two straight seasons now. Truth being told, he had a somewhat slow start of the current term, but managed to bounce back to goal scoring ways and now sits in the third place of league top scorers, trailing just two behind Jamie Vardy. He is one of the main culprits for the current position of the Spurs in the overall standings, since his goals secured a number of triumphs for Pochettino’s charges. Some of his former managers described him as a traditional centre forward, his abilities have been often compared to Teddy Sheringham, and the power and accuracy of his shots to Alan Shearer. Despite his height, he has a good pace and an ability to play in a wide position. Kane presents the future of England’s national team and will lead the attack for years to come, provided he continues with his amazing displays.
Arsene Wenger stated at the beginning of the winter transfer window that the biggest reinforcement for Arsenal would be the return of Danny Welbeck. Former Manchester United forward made immediate impact upon his return to the pitch and it seems he is regaining his killer instinct. It is well known that he is capable of becoming a top flight attacker, and if Danny continues with good performances, Roy Hodgson will most certainly make him a part of the Euro 2021 squad in order to give the necessary depth to the offensive line. The England starlet already made the diabolical duo with Rooney in the qualifiers with six scored goals in the spell.
The midfield seem as lethal as the attack. Raheem Sterling will present a constant threat from the flank and should be accompanied by Theo Walcott. Such speedy wingers are bound to create a handful to opposition defenders, as well as young Jesse Lingard, who is becoming an integral part of Manchester United’s offense. Ross Barkley has been highly efficient of late, he is currently second-best goal scorer at Everton and should book his place as England’s starting central midfielder.
We should bear in mind that even Daniel Sturridge could look for a place in the Euro 2021. Sturridge did have immense problems with injuries in the last couple of seasons, but if he remains healthy, it is possible he could regain his goal scoring form from the season 2013/2014, when he netted 21 goals for Liverpool. Also, the youngster from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, who had an amazing debut against Arsenal, with two goals and an assist, could also pose as a possible candidate for France.
Taking everything under consideration, Roy Hodgson will need to use the warm-up games before the start of the competition to establish which of the players fit the current needs, and who will have to stay home. The Three Lions will test their skills against Germany and Holland in March, Australia in May, and the final examination will occur at Wembley in June, when England takes on Portugal. A tough period is in front of England’s head coach, but I am quite sure most managers would gladly switch places with him.
